MIRANSHAH (Kashmir English): The death toll from the rain-related incidents during the ongoing monsoon spell and flash floods in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has risen to 20.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the current rain spell, which began on July 19, is expected to continue till July 23 in the province.
The latest fatalities were reported from North Waziristan area of the province, where two men drowned after being swept away by a flash flood in the Tochi River, according to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson.
In a statement, he said the drowned men’s bodies were recovered from the river after hours-long efforts.
He said the rains had resulted in exceptionally high water levels in the Tochi River, where flood-like conditions persisted.
He urged area residents to stay away from rivers, seasonal streams and water channels, stressing that water levels could rise within minutes due to flash floods.
High alert during monsoon
Rescue 1122 emergency teams remain on high alert and are deployed at various locations to respond to any emergency, the spokesperson said.
He also advised people not to risk their lives by attempting to collect firewood and any other items during floods.
Earlier reports suggested four people were killed in a roof collapse incident in the Bangiwala village on the outskirts of Sararogha tehsil of Upper South Waziristan during heavy rainfall.
The victims belonged to the same family, including a couple and their son and daughter.
A report released by the PDMA, which did not account for the deaths in North Waziristan, said that 18 people had died and 19 had been injured in rain-related incidents across the province since July 19.
The PDMA report said 23 houses had been partially damaged in rain-related incidents and seven destroyed. A total of 13 cattle perished during the four days.
Heavy rains also disrupted routine life in Lower South Waziristan, with landslides causing traffic disruption at the Wana-Gomal Zam Road — one of the most important trade and communication routes in the region.
